1.3M views · Mar 8, 2020 · 23:04 · 2 HN recommenders · 3 mentions · discussed 2020–2021
Technology Connections takes apart a 1970 Wurlitzer 3400 jukebox to show how electromechanical relays and switches automated its behavior without a computer.
Why Hacker News points people here: Recommended as an eye-opening look at pre-computer automation and relay logic.
“The computer free automation of a jukebox from the 1970s is an eye opener”HN comment, 2020
“I've been hooked. I really enjoyed the multi-part one where he explained the inner workings of a jukebox”
Multi-part explanation of jukebox inner workings that hooked commenter.
This video made me aware of his channel a few months back and I've been hooked. I really enjoyed the multi-part one where he explained the inner workings of a jukebox[0] [0] this video
“The computer free automation of a jukebox from the 1970s is an eye opener”
In-depth teardown of 1970s jukebox automation without computers.
The computer free automation of a jukebox from the 1970s is an eye opener: (an in depth teardown and explanation) this video
“Compare”
Example of doing automation with relays rather than chips.
By today's standard Doom doesn't need much processing power. You could probably find exactly the right chip that only has exactly just as many bits of RAM as you need for the lamp's functionality. But that would probably be more expensive to develop and chip than just using standard parts? Even more radical: I suspect with a bit of cleverness you could probably do everything the lamp needs to do with some relays and transistors. But today, that would be more expensive. Compare this video for the latter approach.
